RFA Cardigan Bay

An adaptation of the Dutch Rotterdam class, the Bay class replaced the ageing ‘Sir’ class of RFA ships.

The Bay class provide major amphibious capability to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, with the ability to embark nearly 400 troops, and carry up to 150 trucks or 24 Challenger tanks.

With a floodable dock at the stern, RFA Cardigan Bay can offload her embarked troops through landing craft or from her large flight deck. The ship can also carry mexeflotes, 120ft-long powered pontoons that can be used to ferry equipment ashore.

Cardigan Bay's large medical department can cope with an enhanced medical team, allowing her to act as a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship at need - a role usually carried out by RFA Argus.

Keep up with RFA Cardigan Bay

ADD TO FAVOURITES

Current operation
Saif Sareea 3

Saif Sareea is one of the largest international military exercises in the world. More than 4,000 British sailors, soldiers and air crews will be tested in the punishing sands of the desert of Oman alongside colleagues from the host nation. It is intended to reinforce the long-standing and close military relationship between Britain and Oman, strengthening our ability to provide security and safeguard UK prosperity in a vital part of the world.

International partnerships

As the fifth largest economy in the world, the UK has responsibilities towards its allies and partners. But Britain also has global ambitions – namely to protect the seaways underpinning the country’s prosperity. The Royal Navy plays a crucial role in fostering these enduring and lasting alliances with other nations.

Ready to fight

When diplomacy fails, the UK has to be ready to protect its interests and its allies. What’s more, as a member of NATO and the UN, the UK also acts to support the enforcement of UN resolutions and come to the aid of our allies. This is where the Royal Marines come in: we train to go where we’re needed – by sea, land or air – and deploy our forces with the aim of restoring peace.